Long Sword from Cameroon, Africa. Probably of Bana People

This interesting and rare sword is most probably coming from North Cameroon / East Nigeria, and was used by the Bana people (also known as Massa). It employs a long fullered blade, quite similar to blades of Takouba sword of the neighboring Hausa people. The blade is marked with a punched dot symbol (or a letter). The leather covered square cross guard is also similar to Takouba blades. The grip is bound with black leather strips and ends with a big flat round pommel. The pommel is engraved with a geometrical design and marked NDENGUE on one side. NDENGUE is a very common surname in this part of Africa (Ethan Ridder private correspondence).  

Blade length 25 inches (64 cm). Total length 33 inches (84 cm). Good condition. Areas of light pitting on the blade. Losses to the leather cover of the cross guard.

It should be noted that the blade and cross guard may suggest a secondary use of an older Takouba blade.